Figurine
1899 (made)
| Artist/Maker | |
| Place of origin |
This bronze figurine represents the actor-manager John Martin Harvey (1863-1944) as Sydney Carton in the stage adaptation of Charles Dickens's novel A Tale of Two Cities. The production was renamed The Only Way and was adapted by Freeman Wills and Frederick Langbridge, opening at the Lyceum Theatre 16 February 1899.
John Martin Harvey made his first stage appearance at the Court Theatre in 1881 and joined Henry Irving's company at the Lyceum Theatre the following year. He spent fourteen years with Irving, accompanying him on several British and four American tours. He left Irving in 1896 and three years later inaugurated his own management of the Lyceum with The Only Way after Irving was forced to release his tenure. Martin Harvey's portrayal of Sydney Carton, the central figure who turns from a cynical drunkard to a heroic figure, assured his status as a star and one of Britain's last great romantic actors. He was associated with the role for the rest of his life, and after his knighthood in 1921 became known as Sir John Martin-Harvey, introducing the double-barrelled surname.
John Martin Harvey made his first stage appearance at the Court Theatre in 1881 and joined Henry Irving's company at the Lyceum Theatre the following year. He spent fourteen years with Irving, accompanying him on several British and four American tours. He left Irving in 1896 and three years later inaugurated his own management of the Lyceum with The Only Way after Irving was forced to release his tenure. Martin Harvey's portrayal of Sydney Carton, the central figure who turns from a cynical drunkard to a heroic figure, assured his status as a star and one of Britain's last great romantic actors. He was associated with the role for the rest of his life, and after his knighthood in 1921 became known as Sir John Martin-Harvey, introducing the double-barrelled surname.
Object details
| Categories | |
| Object type | |
| Materials and techniques | Bronze |
| Brief description | Figurine of Sir John Martin-Harvey (1863-1944) as Sydney Carton in The Only Way, Lyceum Theatre, 1899, bronze. |
| Physical description | Bronze figurine on integral rectangular base of John Martin Harvey as Sydney Carton in The Only Way, Lyceum Theatre, 1899. He stands, bare headed, with a stern expression, holding a drinking glass in his right hand and with his left hand is in his trouser pocket. He wears a long, double-breasted frock coat, trousers tucked into boots, a waistcoat and a frilled jabot. Green baize has been stuck to the base. |
| Dimensions |
|
| Credit line | Given by the British Theatre Museum Association |
| Subject depicted | |
| Literary reference | Tale of Two Cities, A |
| Summary | This bronze figurine represents the actor-manager John Martin Harvey (1863-1944) as Sydney Carton in the stage adaptation of Charles Dickens's novel A Tale of Two Cities. The production was renamed The Only Way and was adapted by Freeman Wills and Frederick Langbridge, opening at the Lyceum Theatre 16 February 1899. John Martin Harvey made his first stage appearance at the Court Theatre in 1881 and joined Henry Irving's company at the Lyceum Theatre the following year. He spent fourteen years with Irving, accompanying him on several British and four American tours. He left Irving in 1896 and three years later inaugurated his own management of the Lyceum with The Only Way after Irving was forced to release his tenure. Martin Harvey's portrayal of Sydney Carton, the central figure who turns from a cynical drunkard to a heroic figure, assured his status as a star and one of Britain's last great romantic actors. He was associated with the role for the rest of his life, and after his knighthood in 1921 became known as Sir John Martin-Harvey, introducing the double-barrelled surname. |
| Other number | 1970/A/150 - BTMA accession number |
| Collection | |
| Accession number | S.1269-1986 |
About this object record
Explore the Collections contains over a million catalogue records, and over half a million images. It is a working database that includes information compiled over the life of the museum. Some of our records may contain offensive and discriminatory language, or reflect outdated ideas, practice and analysis. We are committed to addressing these issues, and to review and update our records accordingly.
You can write to us to suggest improvements to the record.
Suggest feedback
You can write to us to suggest improvements to the record.
Suggest feedback
| Record created | December 15, 2005 |
| Record URL |
Download as: JSONIIIF Manifest
